Dear readers, some impressions from Friday night’s “grudge” match between the Roosters and Canterbury, in no particular order.
People have been bemoaning the predictability of some teams’ attack in the early rounds of 2013.
One huge problem is the midfield bomb on the back of a set that reaches the opponents’ 40 by fifth tackle.
But I’ll get to that another time.
I don’t have statistics to support my general impression that there are fewer offloads occurring right now, but whatever the number is, one thing is certain: attacking teams are not pushing up support on the ball carrier.
Canterbury were left flat-footed several times when a pass did come out the back. Players are falling into a collective mindset that causes them to be passive until the set play on last tackle.
Continued nil scorelines should alter this behaviour if the coaches are alert.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck doesn’t get enough touches. I’ll let all of you figure out how to solve this.
James Maloney may be the signing of 2013. He has stepped up another level as a player, appearing to be the modern era’s Terry Lamb.
He is simply a complete player without one overpowering skill. He gives the Roosters dimension.
Canterbury are like a jazz pianist recovering from broken fingers. Hesitant, with no rhythm. They miss Sam Kasiano’s power and skill, but worse for them is that teams have taken Melbourne’s lead from last year’s GF in recognising that this team cannot beat you at dummy half or in the halves.
It’s all about Josh Morris and Ben Barba and as a result, the Bulldogs are running up football scorelines. Des Hasler is being cannibalised by his peers and Canterbury need a genuine quality halfback.
Okay, next post I will examine the problem of the modern era’s new normal: the 50-60m set from deep within one’s own half that lands an attacking team on the opponent’s 40.
Should be a positive, right? Wrong.
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